New POWER projects are expected to create or retain over 1,100 jobs and prepare over 11,000 workers and students for new opportunities in coal communities across eight Appalachian states.
Washington, D.C., September 17, 2026 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $45.5 million to 47 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. POWER offers federal grant funding for projects that help Appalachian coal communities expand economic opportunities by creating high-quality, in-demand jobs in multiple industries, attracting new sources of private investment, and providing comprehensive workforce services and skills training.
Made possible with fiscal year (FY) 2025 POWER funding, these new projects will impact eight Appalachian states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
“At ARC, we know the residents of Appalachia’s coal communities are resilient, integral drivers of our region’s economy,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “The investments announced in this round of POWER will build upon their hard work by expanding job training opportunities and attracting new industries as our 13 states continue to push toward the next era of Appalachia prosperity.”
To date, ARC has invested over $518 million in 605 projects, which are helping to leverage nearly $1.9 billion in additional private investment in coal communities. These investments are projected to have created or retained nearly 54,000 jobs and prepared nearly 190,000 workers and students for new opportunities in advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture and other growing industries.
“POWER is about making sure communities that power our nation have the tools and opportunities needed to succeed,” said ARC 2026 States’ Co-Chair, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. “These investments strengthen workforce development, create new economic opportunities, and help coal communities compete and in in today’s economy. Across Appalachia, investments are being made in our people, delivering results to create a stronger future for economic development, for families and for communities.”
ARC expects to award additional FY 2025 POWER awards in the coming months, as well as FY 2026 POWER awards in early 2027.
Learn more about ARC’s POWER Initiative and the new POWER projects: arc.gov/POWER.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal governments and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to invest and partner to strengthen economic development in Appalachia to help the region reach its full economic potential.